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How Many Deck Boards Do I Need?

This phrasing usually means a straight board count for a rectangular deck. Preset: 8 ft wide (96 in) by 12 ft long, 12 ft boards, 10% waste.

Linear feet are rows times length with waste; boards round up to whole lengths. Screw count follows rows × joists × 2.

Your measurements never leave your browser. Estimates only.

ItemAreaSizeBuy
Deck boards224.4 linear ft19 boards
Deck screws340 screws340 screws (~4 lb boxes)

Assumptions

  • Deck size: 96 in wide × 12 ft long
  • Board: 5/4×6 or 2×6 (lays at 5.5 in actual), 12 ft long
  • Gap between boards: 0.25 in (composite/dry lumber; lay pressure-treated tight if wet)
  • Waste factor: 10%
  • Rows across width: 17
  • Joist spacing: 16 in on center (10 joists)
  • Screws: 2 per board per joist crossing
  • Estimates only. Check the coverage figure on your product before buying.

Supplies checklist

  • Joist hangers and hardware
  • Ledger board and lag bolts (attached decks)
  • Concrete footings or post anchors
  • End-cut sealer (pressure-treated)
  • Chalk line and spacer blocks

Estimates only. Check the coverage figure on your product before buying.

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